Story Summary
Mäkiaho leads the Liiga scoring race by a wide margin after producing 12 goals and 27 points in 19 games.
His HIFK contract expires at the end of the season, but Seppänen said the Helsinki club are not willing to part with their youth product. Ilves are said to have made preliminary enquiries as they prepare for Raimo Helminen’s return as head coach.
Key Facts
- Daniel Mäkiaho has recorded 12 goals and 27 points in 19 Liiga games this season.
- Mäkiaho leads the Liiga scoring race by a wide margin.
- Mäkiaho’s contract with HIFK expires at the end of this season.
- Esko Seppänen said Ilves have shown interest in Mäkiaho, while HIFK are reportedly unwilling to let their youth product leave.
- Ilves are reportedly planning several high-profile additions for next season as Raimo Helminen returns as head coach.
IHM Discussion
This is an early indication of interest rather than a completed move. Seppänen described Ilves’ contact as preliminary and said HIFK’s position was firm: the club do not intend to release Mäkiaho.
The 19-game scoring return explains why he has attracted attention. Ilves’ reported interest also fits Seppänen’s view that the club want recognisable, statement-level additions for the start of Helminen’s new tenure.
Why It Matters
Mäkiaho’s production makes him a major figure in the Liiga market, but HIFK’s reported refusal to entertain an exit is the central detail. A player leading the league scoring race and approaching the end of his contract will naturally command attention, yet there is no indication that HIFK are prepared to turn that interest into a transfer.
For Ilves, the reported enquiry underlines the scale of the recruitment ambition attached to Helminen’s return. The club are being linked with a pursuit of established names rather than a modest reshaping of the squad.
Mini Q&A
Has Daniel Mäkiaho joined Ilves?
No. Ilves have reportedly shown interest, but there is no completed transfer and HIFK are reportedly unwilling to let him leave.
Why is Mäkiaho attracting attention?
He leads the Liiga scoring race by a wide margin, with 12 goals and 27 points from 19 games, and his HIFK contract ends after this season.
What Comes Next
The next clear checkpoint is the expiry of Mäkiaho’s HIFK contract at the end of the season. Until then, the reported interest from Ilves remains an uncompleted approach against HIFK’s stated unwillingness to let him go.